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Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Name: Internships in Cape Town with VACorps
Brand: VACorps
SKU: 52139
Rating: 4.91 (257 reviews)

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4.91 Rating

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Location

South Africa
- Cape Town

Length

4 to 12 weeks

Industry

Advertising Architecture Business Communications Computer Science Conservation and Preservation Economics Education Engineering Film Finance Healthcare History Human Rights Journalism Law Marketing Nursing Photography Psychology Public Health Social Work Sports Science Startups Tourism +15

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Program Details

Compensation

Unpaid

Timeframe

Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment

Language

English

Age Min.

Pricing

Starting Price

2975

What's Included

Activities Some Activities Airport Transfers SIM cards Wifi

What's Not Included

Accommodation Meals Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Jul 02, 2024

Last Reviewed: Jun 26, 2025

Wish List

119 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

VACorps offers superior internship placements in Cape Town, South Africa. We commit all of our energy to one purpose – helping our program participants to have a professionally and personally rewarding internship experience in Cape Town. This is why VACorps unfailingly receives great reviews from not only our participants but also parents and university administrators. At the center of our participants' experience in our programs start with the careful selection of internships. Before they leave their home countries for Cape Town, participants will be in constant communication with members of the VACorps staff as we design peculiar details of their internship placements based on their academic, intellectual, and professional aspirations. We are Cape Town specialists, and all of our staff and programs are based in the mother city, simply because it is the most beautiful city in the world.

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Program Highlights

Professional internship placement in one of the world's most beautiful cities
Expert pre-arrival and in-country staff support (orientation, tour of the city, first-meeting at internship site, 24/7 emergency hotline and general support and guidance)
Weekly social excursions to help you explore Cape Town and its surrounds
Weekly workshops about South African culture
Enjoy plenty of travel opportunities to attractions like the Garden Route, Mozambique, Kruger National Park, and Cederberg Mountains

Popular Programs

Human Rights Internships in Cape Town

VACorps offers one of the most prestigious human rights internship programs in South Africa, facilitated and mentored by a US qualified lawyer who is currently a human rights policy advocate in South Africa. You will be placed with local organizations that provide services to victims of human rights violations. By working directly with service providers and the people they are trying to assist, you will gain exposure to the challenges associated with protecting and exercising one’s human rights.

VACorps counselling and psychology internships

Counseling and Psychology Internship in Cape Town

Our internship placements will give you unique access to counseling and social support services in South Africa. Whether you are interested in a counseling internship at an NGO, a clinical placement at a rehabilitation center, or an organizational psychology internship at a private company, we will find you an internship that matches your interests and objectives.

Business Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of Africa’s largest business Centres and is home to many well-established companies, SME’s, social enterprises, NGOs, start-ups, and much more. Whether you are looking for experience in a fast-paced for-profit organization or would prefer to apply your knowledge and work for an organization that helps the underprivileged, VACorps will customize a business internship that will help you work towards your goals and objectives.

Technology Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts a bustling tech start-up scene, and it is estimated that 60% of all African Tech startups have their feet firmly planted within Cape Town City Metro. A Technology Internship abroad will allow you to gain a unique perspective on the very important role the technology industry plays in a developing economy. As you gain experience, learn new skills and expand your network, you will also see how a different culture uses technology to address its own unique market needs.

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating

based on 257 reviews

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Rating Spread Intern

5 rating 91.44%
4 rating 8.17%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0.39%
1 rating 0%

Growth 4.95
Support 4.95
Fun 5
Housing 4.85
Safety 4.85

Good for Building your resume, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 121 - 128 of 257 reviews

Coming to Cape Town, South Africa has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It is the most diverse and beautiful city with endless things to do and explore. The VACorps program allowed me to establish the most wonderful friendships with like-minded people, that I know will last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for this program and my time in South Africa, and I am very sad to say goodbye to the VACorps staff and all the other wonderful people I have met during my time here.

What would you improve about this program?

For those doing a medical internship, be aware that the medical system in South Africa is completely different from that in the U.S. You will also not have much guidance on what to do so be outgoing and approach people to ask for things to do.

My major requires me to participate in a minimum of 8 weeks of "international experience". Most students choose to study abroad, but I prefer hands-on and service learning. I chose Cape Town as I wanted to teach and South Africa was one of the only international internships that offered to teach in English. Cape Town had so much to offer- even with COVID restrictions and a lockdown. Everyone was super welcoming and friendly. Although we primarily stuck to "touristy" things, I jumped at every opportunity to learn about the history and the townships, going to visit Kholi and the children at Bathande when I could. Additionally, I was able to learn about the immigrants from Zimbabwe from my internship which added another layer of perspective to the history and hardships within the borders of South Africa. The activities were so fun and the support from VACorps was amazing.

Originally, I was supposed to stay for the full 90 days but had to cut my trip a week short due to university needs and am very sad to leave.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My recommendations to newcomers would be to always take up any offer to explore in Cape Town. Most importantly, learn how to balance your fun with your internship: TIME MANAGEMENT is key- you can still have lots of fun in Cape Town and with everyone else even if you work all day.

Travelling away from home to a totally different continent is a little daunting. Once I met Loyiso at the airport I felt an instant sigh of relief. The VACorps staff are so kind and thoughtful. Kus and Kholi have been amazing. I was worried I would have to plan so much of my stay myself but I am very glad that the amazing staff coordinated Friday activities and was always messaging in the WhatsApp group chat. Sean was so awesome and showed us a different side of South Africa. I would have never been willing or able to do so many hikes without him. I truly just appreciate the energy in this office. It is very apparent that the entire staff wants the interns to have a good time and actually learn at their internship sites.

I worked at a public clinic in one of Cape Town's townships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone working in the field of public health, kinesiology, or medicine. As I gained the trust and respect of the staff at the clinic I was given more and more responsibility. I met so many students from UCT and UWC. Since I have such a huge interest in the infectious disease I knew I needed to come to South Africa and see the healthcare system with my own eyes. A lot of work needs to be done since this country has one of the highest HIV rates in the world. When I get back home, I want to continue my work with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Stigma needs to change and science needs to advance worldwide for more treatment and prevention options.

I would not change this experience for anything in the world. My 5 weeks here were the best and I advise all incoming interns to stay for 5 weeks or longer if able.
I worked at a public clinic in one of Cape Town's townships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone working in the field of public health, kinesiology or medicine. As I gained the trust and respect of the staff at the clinic I was given more and more responsibility. I met so many students from UCT and UWC. Since I have such a huge interest in the infectious disease I knew I needed to come to South Africa and see the healthcare system with my own eyes. A lot of work needs to be done since this country has the highest HIV rates in the world. When I get back home, I want to continue my work with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Stigma needs to change and science needs to advance worldwide for more treatment and prevention options.

I would not change this experience for anything in the world. My 5 weeks here were the best and I advise all incoming interns to stay for 5 weeks or longer if able.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For those doing a medical internship at a public health site:

-Ask lots of questions about cultural norms so as to be respectful to the patients you treat.
-Bring your own gloves and masks. The facility has limited medical supplies.
-If you are unhappy in a specific department go to another. Simply introduce yourself and state that you are more than willing to help with anything. Some sections are definitely slower pace than others.
-Communicate with the doctors and nurses the differences in the healthcare system you see here vs. in your home country.

I originally chose Cape Town as my intern abroad destination solely based on the VAC program and the comfortability I felt speaking to the VAC staff beforehand. Although I only stayed for 6 weeks, the friends and relationships I made during my time there I know are ones that will last a lifetime. After completing my internship, my interests in my future studies were confirmed - I feel now that I can confidently apply to graduate school knowing exactly what my end goal is. I loved the dynamic of the city, the other interns, and the VAC staff that made the first week transitioning to life in Cape Town a breeze!

When I first began the search for an internship last fall, I never dreamed that I would spend three months in Cape Town. By the Lord's providence, this was the only internship that ended up front and center, and I realized that spending the summer abroad may be a very real possibility. There really is no place like Cape Town. Naturally, Cape Town is the most beautiful place I have been in.

My internship was with a surfboard startup company in Muizenberg. I am studying mechanical engineering but am extremely interested in small business, so this internship was a perfect combination of the two. I also got the opportunity to surf quite a bit while I was here - something I had never had the opportunity to do before either. I enjoyed the full Cape Town experience - from hiking Table Mountain to surfing in the Indian Ocean to Culture Series and the vast number of Friday Activities that allowed me so many new and exciting opportunities. I am so grateful for the people of VACorps - without the program establishing a group of interns here to befriend and live 3 months with, I would not have made it in Cape Town. The program advisors care so much and have become some of my dearest friends and people I have learned so much from.

I could write forever about my Cape Town experience, but there are not enough words to express the lessons I learned the memories I will take with me when I leave. I would not trade any of them for the world.

I am really thankful for being part of this program. I enjoyed every moment in Cape Town. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I will remember it forever. This experience taught me a lot about life and myself. I have grown in confidence, improved my English, and this experience will definitely help me a lot in the future. For me, the best part of this program is meeting all the incredible people, from all over the world. I loved meeting people from so many different cultures and countries and found it very interesting. Now we are a family and I am so thankful to VACorps for giving me this opportunity and introducing me to such an incredible community of people to explore this beautiful country with

My time with the VACorps truly has been a life-changing experience. I came across this opportunity since it was one of the only countries with programs available during COVID, but I think that is just one example of the universe working things out for the best. If I could go back and have more options I would choose a placement in Cape Town one thousand times over. It is easy to look at doing a program like this and make an educated guess about how much you will learn and the different aspects of the culture you will be exposed to, but in reality, it's more than you could ever imagine. Being a part of a group of like-minded individuals who would take on a crazy journey like this just proves that the people make the place. The people in Cape Town are by far the most hospitable, welcoming, and friendly faces on the planet. All of the Vac-activities I got to be a part of ensuring that I experienced all the best South Africa has to offer. Plus, if you have activities you really want to do, the VACorps staff with make sure they put you in contact with the best people who will give you the best deals. Overall, if you are asking yourself why Cape Town, the real question would be "Why not Cape Town?" It's the most beautiful place on the planet with some of the most beautiful people to keep you company.

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing comes to mind, I genuinely had a wonderful experience with all the people that I met and getting a chance to truly dive into the culture of Cape Town.

I chose to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to intern because I knew that the cultural immersion I’d have the opportunity to experience here wouldn’t be the same anywhere else in the world! I loved every single day at my internship site to the point where I worked extra. I enjoyed the tasks I was given, and the situations I was allowed to be a part of. I also enjoyed every nurse, doctor, counselor, pharmacist, and patient I was blessed enough to interact with on a daily basis. Being surrounded by such strong, intelligent, powerful women who look just like me was awe-inspiring and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I thought possible. I grew in stride every single day, from something different. This experience taught me to smile more, laugh always, and love easily and freely. I would advise anyone participating in this program to come for at least 8 weeks. Please come with an open mind + heart, but also a strong and dedicated work ethic. Be passionate about your internship as it can blossom into more than you could possibly imagine.

Questions & Answers

I’m a high school student and really want to get in the film industry and finding it hard to find volunteering. Any tips ?

Hi Erin, Thanks for the great question! South Africa is home to one of the largest commercial film industries in the Southern Hemisphere and we place VACorps program participants at a variety of different film production companies that operate in Cape Town. We accept gap year students (min age 18) so don't worry if you don't have any prior industry experience. All that is required is enthusiasm...

By VACorps Support on January 27, 2021

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I knew I wanted to travel and take a break after University, but I needed something that I could still put down on my CV. After looking at a couple of different options, I discovered VA Corps, which offered the perfect fit to my situation. Their programs were individually tailored to meet everyone's individual expectations for their experience in Cape Town. This was a major factor in my decision to undertake this program. The other factor of course being Cape Town's natural beauty and the opportunity to experience a new and different cultural outlook on life.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I will admit that initially the thought of traveling solo so far away to a completely new country for me was a bit intimidating. This feeling soon vanished as VA Corps was able to provide all the information I was looking for. Their online guide has a wealth of knowledge to answer all your questions, from information about immigration and flights to helpful hints about overcoming any initial culture shock you may experience. Their help in organizing not only housing but also finding your individual internship site means there is little for you to organize on your own.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You need to enter this program with an open mind, willing to try new things, foods and experiences. I'm aware that this can be intimidating for some people, but VA Corps provide 24 hour support during your time in the program so there is little for you to worry about. So put yourself in new situations, eat new food and meet lots of new people. You are only in Cape Town for a short period of time; you need to make the most of it. If you don't, not only am I sure you'll regret it, but you'll probably also feel that you didn't get much out of the program. Don't be that person: be open to new experiences, put yourself out there and enjoy yourself.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Everyone's individual day is completely different; you might get up at 6 in the morning and spend the whole day learning at a clinic. On the other hand, you could get up at 9 and walk down to a coffee shop. Open your laptop and work on a case file till after lunch, then go for a hike. Everyone's day is different but everyone gets out what they put in.

Two of the large benefits of VA Corps program is that on every Monday evening you have the opportunity to attend a session where you learn about different aspects of South African culture. This could be a tradition food tasting, guest speaker on some of the struggle experienced in South Africa, a session about the different languages spoken or many other differing things.

The other major benefit of the program is that every Friday you have the opportunity to experience different activity with the group. Activities like wine tastings, trips to the Cape of Good Hope or seeing Penguins and Cheetahs. All of this means that week will be busy and enjoyable.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

One of the big fears before the experience is the worry that you're not going to fit in, that you're going to feel out of place and uncomfortable. I can tell you from my personal experience that this won't happen. You're going to be surrounded by lots of different people, from different countries all doing the same as you. You will fit in and you will become very good friends with many of these people. Cape Town itself can seem like an intimidating place but I can tell you that, after a week or two, it really isn't. If you use for common sense, you will feel comfortable very easily. It's a lovely place filled with many lovely people and you will get to see that.

What was your favorite experience during your time abroad?

I honestly have too many to choose from and they are all amazing in their own way. Experiences like getting to walk around Robben island and getting to see Nelson Mandela's cell were incredibly special. At the same time, even small things like talking with people who grew up under Apartheid is something that is going to stay with me for ever. On top of this, walking with Elephants and bungee jumping off a 216 meter tall bridge are things that I never thought I would do, as well as the 6 or 7 times I hiked Table Mountain.

Simply put, there are too many things to chose from. The main thing, though, is that I loved my time in Cape Town and would do it again in a heart beat.

Jackie Berger

Mark McKown

2014 Alum

Josh Hoeg

2017 Alum

Rob Weidner

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Athena Lamberis

Program

Internships in Cape Town with VACorps

Athena has lived, worked and studied in over twelve countries around the world before graduating from Michigan State University in 2005. She loves diving into cross-cultural experiences, language learning and documenting beauty and creativity around every corner. Cape Town has been home since 2008, where her love for experiential education, natural spaces and the search for the next tasty meal collide.

Having been a semester abroad student in South Africa herself, she adds her own personal knowledge and enthusiasm for those ready to embark on their own learning adventure abroad!

Athena Lamberis - Education International

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories was being in Athens during the 2004 Summer Olympics.

The city was pumping with so much energy from around the world. A casual stroll down the road felt like a global carnival. I passed by a corner where there was a scene of Brazilians were playing capoeira, while a band of Ugandan drummers danced past the group of Japanese fans cheering about a victory, all on my way to watch the sunset behind the Parthenon with friends from Mexico, Turkey, and Australia.

It was one of the most joyful cross-cultural experiences I have experienced in addition to celebrating solidarity and amazing human endeavors!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Although I had lived in South Africa for 6 years prior to working with VACorps, the work and relationships I have been able to form these past 4 years have granted me a more in-depth exposure to different South African realities.

I have grown in compassion, become a better listener, and am more engaged in learning more about current issues that motivate leaders to make innovative business or organizational choices and create positive social change.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I often receive the 'wish I was still there' emails and enjoy viewing the video collages students tend to make and share across their social media channels. The best stories for me, though, are the students that integrate their experience abroad directly into their lives. This has ranged from a legal intern student going onto working in the UN, a communications student producing their own local show, and a social work graduate who went on to initiate their own community project.

No matter what field of study the students are engaged with: it's always amazing to hear about how everyone's perspective abroad directly impacts the choices they make.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This changes from week to week. Why? Because I am someone who is typically extremely inspired by passionate people and so many organizations and businesses in Cape Town have dynamic teams that motivate people to get involved!

The changing socio-political landscape of Cape Town makes diving into social justice advocacy programs important, but joining a start-up business incubator is also exhilarating. There are times I am inspired to assist in social work or counseling programs or even help produce digital media for youth development or sustainable community food gardens. I am always intrigued by environmental education and conservation programs because being surrounded by Cape Town's amazing biodiversity is like nowhere else in the world. Because I love learning more about languages and cultures, there is always something to contribute to that supports refugee and asylum-seeking communities and overall social cohesion in Cape Town.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Everyone involved with VACorps has a genuine interest in education and connecting students to exciting and engaging learning experiences. I have had the privilege to meet and get to know local leaders in a variety of fields who lead and manage operations that aim for positive social impact and innovations. I am proud that we support their initiatives, attend their events and think of creative ways for students to assist in achieving their vision for the greater good.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The work we do is purposeful, and this drives the company to make positive decisions, additions, and adaptations to our program offerings. I believe this ability to reflect, improve and evolve as a team creates success and enhances the entrepreneurial spirit of a company. We depend on each other to bring positive and meaningful passion into our work and this, in return, is appreciated by each student that joins the program.

Kholosa Potwana

Program Advisor

Thomas Hill

Program Admissions

Carmen Rae Kingwill

Program Coordinator

Oliver Hagan

Director of Applications and Outreach

Location

Location:

Cape Town

Currency:

South African Rand

Weather:

Jan-Mar

79 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

73 F / 46 F

Jul-Sep

66 F / 45 F

Oct-Dec

77 F / 52 F

Airports:

Cape Town International

( CPT )

Cape Town is a port city, the legislative capital of South Africa, the most southern city in all of Africa, and referred to as the "Mother City". It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa.

About VACorps

The VACorps internship program creates tailored placements in Cape Town, South Africa. We consistently receive rave reviews from program participants, parents and university administrators alike because we devote all our energy to one purpose -- helping you have a personally and professionally rewarding internship experience in Cape Town. As a...